Many months in the Islamic calendar have special significance. But the month of Zill Hajj especially the first ten days of this month are the most blissful days of the year. These days are considered most blessed and are held with utmost respect and regard by Muslims.

THE ESSENCE OF ZILL HAJJ

Zill Hajj is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a time when millions of Muslims embark on their journey towards Makkah for Hajj, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam. However, even for those not performing Hajj, the first ten days have immense spiritual value. This period provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek closeness to Allah through increased worship and good deeds.

VIRTUES OF THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF HAJJ

The first ten days of ZilHajj are the golden days when Muslims can ask for repentance from ALLAH (SWT). These are the days when ALLAH (SWT) opens the doors of blessings and accepts the prayers of Muslims. The Messenger of ALLAH (PBUH) said about these days
 “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days. The above Hadith proves that these days are the most spiritual days of the year. No Muslim should miss the worship and righteous deeds during these days. The prayers done in these days are loved by ALLAH (SWT) and he blesses us with uncountable bounties and rewards. In this blog, we will tell you some deeds through which we can make the most of these ten days.

FASTING

The first nine days of the Zill Hajj are the best days to fast. Fasting during these days has so many rewards. Especially fasting on the Day of Arafah is beloved by ALLAH (SWT). Muslims who fast during this period are forgiven for their sins by ALLAH (SWT).  The Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)  about fasting on the day of Arafah goes as: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year”. [Muslim] Moreover fasting on the first nine days of Zill Hajj is also the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). We should fast on the first nine days of Zill Hajj with the intention of following the Sunnah. This way we will get double rewards one for fasting and the second for following the Sunnah.

RECITATION OF THE HOLY QURAN

Recitation of the Holy Quran is another righteous deed that must be done in the initial ten days of the Zill Hajj. However, Muslims should recite the Holy Quran daily but recitation during these days is more rewarding. Reading the Holy Quran brings us closer to ALLAH (SWT) and uplifts us spiritually. And these days are the best for such deeds. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Read the Quran, as it comes on the day of judgment as (Shafi’) to its companions.” Sahih Muslim

DOING CHARITY

The first ten days of Zil Hajj are an amazing time to do charity and help the needy people around us. During these days the reward of this deed maximizes. Charity done in these days will help us in this life and on the day of Judgement. However, charity is one of the most righteous deeds and should be done the whole year. But these days specifically are the best time to attain the pleasure of ALLAH Almighty. ALLAH says in the Holy Quran “For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward.” 57:18

DOING ZIKR

Increasing the remembrance of ALLAH and doing Zikar is one of the best deeds to do during the ten days of Zill Hajj. ALLAH Almighty open the doors of acceptance and repentance during these days. It is therefore necessary to do the Zikr of ALLAH all day. Even when we are occupied with our daily chores we should use our tongue in the remembrance of ALLAH only. Some of the important Zikr that should be done during these days are 
  • Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah – There is no God but Allah (SWT)
  • Takbeer: Allahu Akbar – Allah (SWT) is the Greatest
  • Tahmeed: Alhamdulillah – All Praises be to Allah (SWT)
Additionally, other Tasbeehsat which can be recited during these days are: Tasbeeh (saying “Subhanallah”)
  • سبحان الله
  • “Subhanallah”
  • Translation: “Glory be to Allah.”
Istighfar (seeking forgiveness)
  • أستغفر الله
  • “Astaghfirullah“
  • Translation: “I seek forgiveness from Allah.”

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY OF ARAFAT

The day of Arafat is the most significant day of Hajj. It is the day when all the Hajis ( those who are performing Hajj) gather around the mount of Arafat and indulge in different acts of worship. They ask for forgiveness from ALLAH (SWT) and ask for his mercy. Also, Muslims around the globe indulge in different prayers and righteous deeds this day. Many Muslims also fast on this day. 

EID UL ADHA

The ten days of the Zil Hajj ends with Eid Ul Adha. One of the two major Islamic festivals. It is the day when the Muslims who are financially able sacrifice animals following the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). The meat of the animals is then distributed among family, friends, and the poor in equal portions.  Eid is the biggest Islamic festival in which Muslim depicts the importance of sacrifice, devotion, and the willingness to submit to Allah’s will.

FINAL THOUGHT

The first ten days of the month of Zill Hajj are the blissful days of the year. It is that time of the year when ALLAH (SWT) gives us the golden chance to get rewards from him by praying, doing Zikr, and helping the needy. The days give us a spiritual boost that is carried throughout the year.